Icom VHF Command Mic

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PeterGR

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Anyone have experience with VHF wiring and connections?

I would like to get a command mic into the cockpit.
My base radio is a Cobra but I don't think they make command mics.

I have seen them for Icom and Standard Horizon.
I happen to have a spare Icom (m411) however I don't think it has a connection to take a command mic.
Seeing as it is a spare radio I am willing to do some cutting and rewiring if it was possible to make a command mic work.

Alternatively I would just extend the existing mic into the cockpit + install a speaker.
If I cut the mic wire is it OK just to splice in a longer cable or are we talking about frequencies and length of cable similar to depth sounder transducer cables.

Thanks all,
 
The command mic for both Icom and SH are fully functioning remotes with displays so no way to add to a set that’s does not have the connection, have use looked at putting the icom in a more convenient location
 
Daverw said:
The command mic for both Icom and SH are fully functioning remotes with displays so no way to add to a set that’s does not have the connection, have use looked at putting the icom in a more convenient location
Click to expand...
I figured.
Do you know anything about the effects of cutting the mic cable and splicing in a longer one?

Can't move the existing VHF.
The helm position is far from the cabin door.
 
I'm sure if you used the same grade of cable or perhaps a slightly heavier grade if one were available - if there is such a thing - adding a few metres would make little practical difference. What have you got to lose except the cost of a few metres of cable? Mic cable's cheap -
 
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Boathook said:
I just plugged the cables together for my icom command mic. Hardly ever use the main set now or the hand held I have the command mic by the helm. One of my better investments.
Click to expand...
What do you mean you just plugged them together?
Was your unit command mic compatible or did you join the mic cable on your unit to the cable on the command mic?
 
PeterGR said:
What do you mean you just plugged them together?
Was your unit command mic compatible or did you join the mic cable on your unit to the cable on the command mic?
Click to expand...
I think Peter means like with my unit it has a rear connector for use with the RAM mic, it just plugs in and works, it has an extension lead with a water proof socket on the end for the cockpit. Most marine radios have a hard wired mic lead rather than a plug and socket on the front which would allow an extension lead like in HAM radio gear.
 
Daverw said:
I think Peter means like with my unit it has a rear connector for use with the RAM mic, it just plugs in and works, it has an extension lead with a water proof socket on the end for the cockpit. Most marine radios have a hard wired mic lead rather than a plug and socket on the front which would allow an extension lead like in HAM radio gear.
Click to expand...
Ah OK.
Yes my radio does not have a port to connect a command mic unfortunately.
 
PeterGR said:
What do you mean you just plugged them together?
Was your unit command mic compatible or did you join the mic cable on your unit to the cable on the command mic?
Click to expand...
The Icom M423 radio has a socket in the back to take an icom command mic. I had to use an icom extension cable up to the helm where it terminates in another socket for the mic to plug into. The command mic can even turn the radio on, read DSC messages, cancel the alarm, has a speaker, etc, etc. The actual mic attached to the radio is only a mic and you use the controls on the radio.

None of it was cheap but it all works very well.

Edit -
This is a newer version of my radio IC-M423GE : Mounted VHF/DSC Marine Radio - Icom UK
Command mic HM-195B Command Mic IV : Microphones - Icom UK
 
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Boathook said:
The Icom M423 radio has a socket in the back to take an icom command mic. I had to use an icom extension cable up to the helm where it terminates in another socket for the mic to plug into. The command mic can even turn the radio on, read DSC messages, cancel the alarm, has a speaker, etc, etc. The actual mic attached to the radio is only a mic and you use the controls on the radio.

None of it was cheap but it all works very well.

Edit -
This is a newer version of my radio IC-M423GE : Mounted VHF/DSC Marine Radio - Icom UK
Command mic HM-195B Command Mic IV : Microphones - Icom UK
Click to expand...
Yes if there was a socket it would be a lot easier.
I have an older M411.
But I figured in essence, the main unit has a speaker, has a PTT button, has external mic, has channel buttons so would be a neat project if somebody had dissected this before to control a remote mic which wouldn't have normally been in situ.
 
lustyd said:
Why not split the antenna cable and just install a second VHF in the cockpit?
Click to expand...

I haven't checked, but I imagine a new VHF with command-mic will be cheaper than a second basic VHF plus a transmit-capable splitter. The command-mic is also easier to fit in most cockpits, needing very little behind-panel space (just the back of the socket) and less surface footprint than a radio.

If you really want the least-cost option it's probably to just move the existing VHF - while I've very occasionally found it more convenient to operate from the cabin (for example the time I was acting as a distress relay and really needed to concentrate on the comms and make notes of positions etc) I don't think it's ever been essential to do so, and the vast majority of my VHF use is on deck.

But a command mic is the right solution really.

Pete
 
or £40 on a second antenna on the pushpit. OP seems more interested in reuse so it's an option worth considering.
 
I bit the bullet and bought a new standard horizon and ram Mike. Had a choice of wired or cordless for the same price.
It's brilliant . Can navigate way points from the ram Mike and see position, speed etc..
I now don't use the main internal set and the ram Mike has incredible loud volume with knob controls rather than up/down buttons
 
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